A weekly address from Patrick Adams,
President of St. Louis Community Credit Union

Don’t Ever Miss It

My windows in the car were at half-mast as I made my way to the office. It was beautiful, like many early fall days. There was a crispness and cleanliness in the air that was free of the oppressive humidity of recent times. As the morning proceeded, the burn-off of some early fog would reveal a magnificent day, filled with a full blue sky and the uninhibited rays of the sun. It was special, and that wasn’t even the best part of the day.

I got word at 5:30 that morning that this was Grandparents Day at my grandson’s preschool. Nobody’s fault that the message made it to me so late. Multiple occurrences in the family and life in the fast lane for all of us meant word of the event did not make it to “Mimi” & “Poppy” until late the night before. As well, I was out-of-town—not arriving until close to the witching hour of midnight.

My mind raced as the toothpaste eased from the corner of my mouth. I had lots of work on my desk. I always have lots of work on my desk. With such little notice, there was absolutely no way I could shift, finagle, delegate, postpone or throw in the trash those issues demanding my attention. As I drove to work, my mind was totally preoccupied with a devastating thought — I was going to miss the very first Grandparents Day in the history of my role as a “Poppy.” The feeling was like getting kicked in the stomach.

Upon cracking the door to my office, I mentioned to my executive assistant the conundrum I was in. She saw no issue. I had to go. She reminded me that work will always be there, whereas Grandparents Day only exists for a while. “Now get out of here,” she said. I am forever indebted for her counsel and support.

I didn’t realize it, but what was about to happen that day was what I have waited for my entire life. To think I was going to miss it kicked me in the stomach even harder with second thought than earlier in the day.

My grandson rushed across the room jumped in my arms and nestled his head into my shoulder. We sat cross-legged on the floor, singing a song and listening to a story. We sat in chairs made for 3-year-olds and ate a bite-size muffin. We drank milk and took pictures. We learned about volcanoes, and I watched as his eyes got as big as saucers as the fake lava made its way over the top of the cardboard mountainside. He gave me his handprint, made of multiple colors. It was the greatest day of my life. I almost missed it.

I spent most of my drive back to the office with tears in my eyes. They were tears of joy. Thankfully, not tears of sorrow. Knowing what I know now, had I missed that special morning, I truly would have missed a very precious time never to have been recaptured. Work will always be there, but not 3-year-olds in your arms. When your turn comes, don’t miss it — don’t ever miss it.

One Response to “Don’t Ever Miss It”

Today – call your mom, tell her you love her, and better yet, if you can… Visit her, see her, touch her hand, kiss her cheek, hug her, let her know…how much she means to you…tell her you love her…
I wish I could,
As others can,
Hold their mama
By the hand,
I know there’s others just like me, whose mothers are living in just their memory…
Today – for us,
Whose mothers have gone,
Can those… who can do this, be the one…
Tell her you love her…you’ll miss her so, tell her how special – she makes your world!

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Patrick has been employed with St. Louis Community Credit Union for over 20 years. As part of a great team of credit union professionals, SLCCU has grown about 400% during
those years. The credit union emphasizes member service and is proud of helping to increase its members' standard of living. Patrick is proud to be associated with over 100 employees who have a laser-like focus on service to our members. Learn More at StLouisCommunity.com